Top Nagano Prefecture Outdoor Activities - page 2

Experience Matsumoto’s Celebrated Samurai Culture! Constructed at the end of the Warring States Period, Matsumoto Castle is the grandest symbol of the city’s feudal origins and samurai heritage. During your experience you will be provided with further insight into the feudal domain that was once ruled by the daimyo and his samurai. To this day, residents of Matsumoto remain proud of that heritage, that can be experienced firsthand through historic activities available in the city. Among those activities, traditional ‘katana’ (sword) fighting and ‘hankyu’ (archery) are two of the most popular on offer, both of which can be enjoyed during this experience. Samurai employed both close combat and long-range weapons including archery. Following-on from your katana experience, you will be guided in use of a hankyu bow inside a room designed for the experience. Learn the art of the ‘Katana’ Sword and extend your skill with ‘Hankyu’ Archery during this half-day samurai experience!

Experience the best of Nagano winter in one unforgettable private tour—combining snowshoeing in the sacred forests of Togakushi and a visit to the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques relax in natural hot springs. This seasonal experience is available only for a limited winter period. Unlike standard shared tours, this is an exclusive private experience focused on comfort, safety, and flexibility. Your guide, Hama—an English-speaking UIMLA-certified mountain leader and registered nurse—provides professional guidance tailored to winter conditions. Travel in a new Subaru Forester Hybrid 4WD, ideal for snowy mountain roads, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. The standard capacity is up to 4 guests, but groups up to 8 can be arranged upon request, with an additional certified guide for safe pacing and support. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of limited time while enjoying a premium, safe, and meaningful experience in Japan’s winter wilderness. ❄️

Snowmobile Adventure Itinerary: 8:40 AM – Meeting Point Pickup Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from the designated meeting point. 10:00 AM – Arrival at Sakae Snowmobile Location Reach the scenic Sakae region, surrounded by stunning snow-covered landscapes. 10:25 AM – Preparation Time Gear up and receive a brief introduction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 10:30 AM – Snowmobile Adventure Begins Embark on an exhilarating one-hour snowmobile ride through Sakae’s pristine trails. 12:00 PM – Snowmobiling Ends 12:15 PM – Onsen Experience Begins Relax and rejuvenate in a traditional onsen, soaking in the warm waters while surrounded by snow. 1:00 PM – Onsen Experience Ends Finish your relaxing onsen experience. 1:00 PM – Lunch Enjoy a delicious lunch with local specialties. 3:30 PM – Return to Meeting Point Enjoy a relaxed drop-off back at your starting location.

Enjoy fun winter activities and visit the famous Japanese snow monkeys during this full-day trip to Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest and highest ski resort. Enjoy some fun in the snow with sledding, snow bikes, and snow scooters and then head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe the famous wild macaques bathing in the hot springs. This seamless tour lets someone else take care of logistics so you can focus on the sights

Enjoy a leisurely cycling tour of Karuizawa's classic spots. After renting a bicycle in front of Karuizawa Station, head to Kumobaike Pond, Karuizawa's most scenic spot. After getting off the bike and strolling around for a while, head to Old Karuizawa through the wooded villa area. While touring the narrow paths of the backstreets of Old Karuizawa, we will guide you to classic spots such as St. Paul's Catholic Church, Shaw Memorial Chapel, and the Karuizawa Association Tennis Court, famous for the romance between the Emperor and Empress. The entire route is flat, so people of all ages and genders can participate. For parents and children or couples, there is also a tandem (two-seater) tour unique to Karuizawa!

Discover the breathtaking winter landscapes of Norikura Highlands, including frozen waterfalls, snow-covered forests, and panoramic mountain views that few travelers ever get to see. This snowshoe tour is not just a hike – it’s an immersive winter adventure tailored by a local guide to match your pace and interests. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for a challenge or a family with children wanting a fun and safe activity, snowshoeing offers a memorable way to connect with nature. Guests often highlight the sense of peace in the quiet winter forest and the insider knowledge shared by the guide about the local environment and culture.

Step into silent winter world of Nagano on a private half-day snowshoe trek. Cross vast snowfields, a hidden Snow lake, and panoramic mountain views. No car needed, beginners feel instantly at home. - Free transport from Iiyama station and gear, easy join without rental car! - Private guide adjusts pace and route, making every guest feel valued! - Explore snow-laden pines and a buried lake freely, wild Madarao awaits! So join!

Explore the city and its surroundings on this off-the-beaten-path bike tour! Far from the Japanese metropolises, enjoy a deep breath of fresh air and the magnificent landscapes of Matsumoto City. Ride an electric bicycle with your guide through the countryside of Matsumoto and discover the main historical sites of the city while enjoying a country ride through the vast fields surrounding the city. The ideal experience for all cycling enthusiasts! Matsumoto is centered in the Japanese countryside and is the ideal place to get on a bicycle for an exploration of the city and its surroundings! Beyond the city built around its historic castle, Matsumoto offers all kinds of magnificent rides. Explore the city's historic sites, take a deep breath of fresh air, as you cycle around the city, past rice fields and admire the beautiful and traditional Japanese farmhouses. The tour includes a soba noodle lunch at a traditional countryside restaurant.

Explore the magnificent temples and natural wonders of Nagano on a full-day tour and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide. Visit the famous Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Obuse Town, then choose a soak in the hot springs at Shibu Onsen.

This 8-hour self-guided tour is perfect for travelers who want to visit the world-famous Snow Monkey Park and the charming town of Obuse at their own pace. Your journey begins at JR Nagano Station, where you'll meet your English-speaking driver. Your driver will take you to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can witness Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs After your visit to the Snow Monkey Park, you may choose 3 to 4 sites to visit from the itinerary/what to expect list to visit. After spending a few hours, your driver will take you back to JR Nagano Station. Experience two of Nagano’s must-see destinations in one convenient day trip! 1: The driver can understand basic English, but communication may be limited. They will use a translation app if needed. Plan your itinerary in advance to ensure a smooth experience. 2: Monkeys don't soak in the hot spring in warm weather. They bathe in winter to prevent from the severe coldness.

Begin with a scenic drive through beautiful orchards. Reach the park via a refreshing 30-minute (2km) walk along lush nature trails—a pleasant hike especially enjoyable in the green season. From May, you may spot adorable newborn baby monkeys! Enjoy 50 minutes observing the macaques relaxing in their natural habitat. Your guide provides all essential info during the drive; there is no guided service during the walk or inside the park. As these are wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed, particularly during the mating and harvest seasons in October and November. Next, visit the historic Tamamura Honten brewery (closed Sundays/holidays). Then, explore 1,350-year-old Shibu Onsen with your guide—keep an eye on the rooftops for local monkeys! Finally, visit Koku-gonji Temple (est. 825 AD), home to sacred spring water and 1,000 cherry trees. Returns to Iiyama around 5:40 PM and to Nozawa Onsen around 6 PM, subject to traffic.

Shinanoji Nature Trail is a hiking course about 10km in length, which is almost a descent from the peak teahouse. Walk about 7,5 km to the hot spots in Oze, which has many attractions. A downhill trek is relaxed while being healed by the colorful miscellaneous trees and larch forest. You can also see the two famous Karuizawa waterfalls (Shiraito Falls and Dragon Falls) along the way. This course is recommended for people who are not always confident in their physical fitness, and young and old alike, since the entire trip is almost a descent. From Oze Onsen, it is also possible to return to the peak chaya parking lot by bus or directly to Karuizawa Station.

You can enjoy to observe lovely wild monkeys bathing in an outdoor hot spring at Snow Monkey Park. Each monkey has different personality and it's quite fun to be able to watch them from very close. After the monkey park, we are visiting an old Shinto shrine called Togakushi shrine which has been one of the most important place for the mountain worship since ancient era. The shrine and precincts forest are all covered with thick snow during the winter season. However,by snowshoeing, it is the perfect opportunity to discover areas that are inaccessible any other time of the year. Frozen bodies of water and a heavy carpet of snow make otherwise untraversable terrain accessible. I will lead you to these undisturbed areas, so you can explore and appreciate the unspoiled nature around you. I'm a National Government licensed guide interpreter as well as licensed mountain trekking guide. Let's have a cup of coffee on the snow made table and chair :)

Walking along the 400-year-old lined cedar trees and walking on the frozen lake experience are special experiences that can only be found here. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where mountain ascetic have been practicing the mountain worship since ancient times. The experience of walking along a row of 400-year-old cedar trees and a frozen lake is a special experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where the trainees have practiced rigorously since ancient times, wearing snowshoes!

Let’s Roam is the ultimate app-led adventure hunt company! Embark on a journey to discover top landmarks and hidden gems, all while answering trivia questions and tackling exciting challenges. Team up with friends or compete against them as you uncover fun facts and create unforgettable memories. Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts are perfect for any occasion—whether it's a regular day out, a bachelorette party, a birthday celebration, or a corporate team-building event. Each player picks an interactive role, with unique challenges tailored to everyone. Get ready for an epic adventure!

The biggest feature of this tour is the high chance of seeing wild animals. The wildlife encounter rate over the past 3 years has been 99.5%.The guides at Picchio are familiar with the ecology of all the wildlife species. They will be able to guide you through the unique aspects of living creatures from an expert perspective, not only from observing the animals themselves but also from observing the surrounding natural environment and ecosystem as a whole. *This tour is guided in Japanese and basic English. English ability may vary depending on the guide.

Ride Shiga offers a variety of ski and snowboard lessons. In addition to standard lessons we are also offering coaching that focus on your area of interest: race/carving, freestyle, freeride(slackcountry) or moguls.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Kamikochi, a prime mountain destination within the Japanese Alps. On this private guided day tour, experience a customizable itinerary that perfectly fits your interests and fitness level. Wander along the Azusa River, marvel at iconic landmarks like Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond, and delve into the area's rich wildlife and history with insights from your local guide. Whether you prefer a leisurely nature stroll or a more vigorous hike, your adventure in this picturesque setting can be tailored just for you. - Private transportation from the Nagano area for convenience - Flexible itinerary to match your interests and fitness level - Discover breathtaking alpine views and ancient forests - Learn about the unique wildlife and history from a knowledgeable guide

Experience the dramatic mountain landscape of Chubu Sangaku National Park, also known as the "Roof of Japan," and visit the immense snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Only accessible in the spring and early summer, this day trip departs from Nagano Station and includes a ticket for round-trip bus transport with your guide.

Enjoy a tranquil canoe experience on the calm waters of Lake Shirakaba, set in the beautiful Yatsugatake mountain area. This tour is ideal for beginners and families, with a relaxed pace that allows anyone to join with confidence. Before entering the water, your professional guide provides clear safety instructions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. As you glide across the lake by canoe, you will have the opportunity to take photos at a historic floating torii gate, a unique and symbolic sight of the area. During the break, guests can refresh themselves with natural spring water sourced from 200 meters underground. Your guide will take photos throughout the activity and provide them to you afterward, so you can fully enjoy the experience without bringing a camera. All necessary equipment is included, making this a hassle-free and memorable time on the water.

Visit Snow Monkey Park, one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Nagano, on your bike at your own pace. Watch monkeys bathing in hot springs and playing on the riverbed up close as long as you want. Bikerentals are the best way if you looking for an exiting and unforgettable activitiy. You can enjoy not only the park also the nature and scenery of Nagano on the way while planning your itinerary. We are the only bikerentals shop that offer cross bikes, Ebikes, and road bikes made by Trekbikes in Obuse and the closest store to Nagano Station. Bikes for the tall are available. You can get helpful safety and route tips from our local cyclist staff.

Explore Obuse's cultural and rural charms on a leisurely, half-day self-guided cycling tour. This tour is self-guided, but if you'd prefer a guide, book a guided tour through the options. This tour is seasonal, available from April to November. After walking around the town, rent a bicycle and go cycling. Visit the Gansho-in Temple, home to Hokusai’s awe-inspiring Phoenix ceiling painting, and enjoy a picnic lunch under the apple trees at Kobayashi Farm—an unforgettable way to experience Obuse’s orchard culture. (Note: if you join us for the afternoon tour, we will have the picnic lunch first.) The tour ends back at the station with plenty of scenic memories in tow. This tour is perfect for travelers looking to combine gentle activity, cultural discovery, and fresh air in a beautiful countryside setting. Caution: Obuse experiences intense summers, so always carry water to prevent dehydration, as well as a pair of sunglasses.

Qualified instructors will provide easy-to-understand and kind instruction in skiing and telemarking for beginners to intermediate skiers. The content of the lessons can be changed between morning and afternoon, so please feel free to join with your family. We recommend Karuizawa because it is close to Tokyo and the station, but it is possible to go to other areas near Kanto. Lessons for children under 12 years old are OK, but there are restrictions on the number of children depending on their age.

As our service will defines itself. Travelers to this region will be welcomed and will visualize the natural beauty, and traditional Japanese culture by visiting Historic Village in Mt.Fuji area. Also visiting sites including the Sengen Shrine Complex, Oshino Hakkai, Kawaguchiko Lake, and the Mount Fuji Fifth Station with an English-speaking driver (if the weather permits). With the flexibility of a personalized tour, you may choose how long to spend at each location. We have a well-trained and organized Multilingual drivers.